Three members of the Royal Navy have died after a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed near Okehampton, Devon, during a training exercise, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Emergency services were called to the scene at Sourton Down around 4am on Wednesday.
The head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, expressed deep sadness, saying: 'I am deeply saddened to share the news that three crew members onboard a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter have died after it crashed in the early hours of this morning near Sourton, Devon.' He offered condolences to the families and thanked the emergency services.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the deaths as 'utterly tragic', while Defence Secretary John Healey said he was 'devastated by the loss of three service personnel'. The King, who served in the Royal Navy, is understood to be aware of the incident and is expected to offer private condolences.
A witness reported hearing the helicopter's engines cut out before seeing an 'almighty flash of red' and hearing an explosion. The crash site is near Okehampton battle camp, a military facility used for training Merlin helicopter crews. An investigation is underway.
